Alicante (DO)
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Alicante Denominación de Origen (DO) is located in the province of Alicante (Valencia region, Spain). There are two distinct sub-zones: Vinalopó, which extends along the banks of the River Vinalopó to the south of the city, and where the Monastrell grape variety is predominant; and the smaller and newer sub-zone known as La Marina, on the coast to the north of the city, where the Moscatel grape variety is predominant.
Alicante is renowned for producing a traditional sweet dessert wine known as El Fondillón, made from overripe grapes, though recently some wineries have started producing modern reds, whites and rosés as well.
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[edit] History
Alicante has a long history of grape growing and wine production, which was probably introduced by the ancient Romans. The Golden Age of Alicante wines was during the 16th and 17th centuries, when they were imported to northern Europe by English, Swedish and Flemish merchants. In 1510 a royal decree prohibited the importation of wine into the province of Alicante while local wine was produced there.
The town of Monóvar was internationally renowned in the 16th century for its Fondillón wine.
[edit] Soils
The soils are mainly dark lime bearing soils on subsoils of sedimentary rock. They are quite loose and sandy with almost no organic material present.
[edit] Climate
The climate in the coastal Marina sub-zone is typically Mediterranean, while the climate in the Vinalopó subzone starts off Mediterranean and becomes progressively more continental further inland. Maximum temperature in summer is 21°C and minimum in winter is 13°C. Rainfall is sparse, 500 mm/year in La Marina and only 300 mm/year in Vinalopó. In general, both sub-zones have low humidity and many hours of sunlight (over 2,500 hr/year).
[edit] Grapes
As in other grape growing regions in Valencia region, Monastrell is the predominant variety, though Garnacha and merseguera are also present.
Due to the heat in summer the vines are planted as low bushes (en vaso).
The main authorized grape varieties are Moscatel (white) and Monastrell (red), though the following experimental varieties are also authorized: White: Planta Fina, Merseguera, Chardonnay, Verdil, Sauvignon Blanc, Airén, Macabeo
Red: Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Tempranillo, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah
